Education Takes Center Stage at World’s Fair of Money

The 2009 World’s Fair of Money, August 5-9 in Los Angeles, has an array of educational offerings designed to meet a wide range of interests and expertise levels.

Three preconvention seminars are led by prominent experts in the field; attendees can also take advantage of several free programs throughout the show. The following is a list of educational offerings in Los Angeles:

Pre-Convention Seminars

Coin Conservation, Authentication and Grading – August 3-5, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Three-day seminar emphasizing the most essential numismatic skills for collectors of any level. Digital presentation, open discussion and hands-on coin examination. Includes Early Bird Badge. Instructor: Brian Silliman, current NGC grader and former assistant director of operations for Numismatic Conservation Services. ANA Member Price: $249 through July 1; $269 after.

Facing the Chinese Counterfeiting Threat – August 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; August 5, 1-5 p.m. Counterfeit coins and slabs made in the People’s Republic of China are pouring into the marketplace in unprecedented numbers. Access to Western technology means that the counterfeiters are able to produce high-quality fakes. In this two-day seminar, learn to protect yourself by becoming a smart online customer, and learn how to use simple, inexpensive tools to authenticate your own coins. Instructors: Susan Headley, numismatic journalist and counterfeit expert; Beth Deisher, editor, Coin World; and Dr. Gregory Dubay, noted Chinese counterfeit expert. ANA Member Price: $149 through July 1; $169 after.

An Introduction to Ancient Greek and Roman Coinage – August 4-5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn the basics of collecting ancient Greek and Roman coins in this two-day class designed specifically for beginning collectors. Topics include a general survey of ancient coins, how to build a reference library, using the Internet for collecting and research, and learning the basics of detecting counterfeits. Participants are encouraged to bring their own coins for discussion. Instructor: Kerry K. Wetterstrom, editor and publisher of "The Celator" ANA Member Price: $149 through July 1; $169 after.

Coin Collecting Basics – August 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Consumer awareness, grading, proper storage, handling and preservation. Numismatics can be confusing – especially when you are new to the hobby! Learn the nuances of coins, paper money, tokens and medals and how to collect smart for the future. Instructor: Rod Gillis, ANA numismatic educator.

Free Programs & Lectures (no registration required)

Numismatic Theatre – August 5, 7 and 8 30-40 minute programs featuring some of the hobby’s most noted experts addressing a wide range of topics. For times, check the online "Schedule of Events" soon, or the Convention Program at the show.

Maynard Sundman Lecture Series – August 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Instruments of Banking and Finance. Presentations throughout the day.

Coin Collecting 101 – throughout the show on the Hall A Stage Learn the basics of starting and caring for a coin collection during these informal 30- minute educational presentations.

About World’s Fair of Money

The World’s Fair of Money is the country’s premiere money show. The event features 1,100 numismatic dealers; a Mint Promenade with mints from around the world; the Museum Showcase of numismatic rarities; the Collector Gallery exhibit area; hourly educational presentations, seminars, meetings and workshops; and special events including the ANA’s annual awards banquet.

The show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 ($20 for a five-day pass), and free for ANA members and children 12 and under.

G. Lee Kuntz is the event’s General Chairman and Bill Grant is the Honorary Chairman. The California State Numismatic Association, Numismatic Association of Southern California and Verdugo Hills Coin Club are the event’s host clubs. The Glendale Coin Club, Long Beach Coin Club and Unrecognized States Numismatic Society are the event’s honorary host clubs. Bowers and Merena Auctions is the official auction company.

About the American Numismatic Association

The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.